If you’re planning to apply for a skilled visa in Australia, there’s an important update you need to be aware of.
From 7 August 2025, the Australian Government will introduce new English language requirements for skilled visa applicants. This includes changes to the minimum scores required for popular English tests like PTE Academic, and may impact your eligibility to claim points or meet visa criteria.
Here’s a quick breakdown of what’s changing — and how it could affect your migration plans.
What’s Changing?
The changes apply to the following skilled visa categories:
- Subclass 189 – Skilled Independent Visa
- Subclass 190 – Skilled Nominated Visa
- Subclass 491 – Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) Visa
The key updates include:
- Revised English test score thresholds, including higher PTE Academic scores for various competency levels (e.g. vocational, competent, proficient, superior).
- These changes will only apply to new visa applications lodged on or after 7 August 2025.
- Applicants who lodge before this date will still be assessed under the current score requirements.
Updated PTE Score Requirements (Effective 7 August 2025)
| English Level | Current PTE | New PTE (from 7 Aug 2025) |
|---|---|---|
| Functional | 30 | 32 |
| Vocational | 36 | 38 |
| Competent | 50 | 51 |
| Proficient | 65 | 70 |
| Superior | 79 | 82 |
Note: Similar changes may apply across other approved English tests like IELTS, TOEFL iBT, and
How This Could Affect You
If you’re planning to:
- Claim points for English language proficiency,
- Meet the minimum requirements for a skilled visa,
- Or submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) soon,
…then these changes could affect your eligibility or points total.
What Should You Do Now?
- Check your current English test scores
- Understand how the new requirements might impact your visa eligibility
- Plan to lodge your application before 7 August 2025 if you’re relying on the current score thresholds
Need Help?
Get tailored advice on how these changes may affect your skilled visa application.
Book a consultation with IME Advisors by calling the number above or clicking the link below.
